Get a quoteGet a quoteCasey places commercial insurance for hotshot operations — Class 3 through Class 5 trucks (typically one-tons and medium-duty) pulling gooseneck, deck-over, or flatbed trailers. From owner-operators in the Permian to multi-truck expedited fleets, we know which carriers actually want hotshot and which will mis-classify you as long-haul.
Send your DOT and a few details. A broker will reach out within 1 business hour.
Casey places commercial insurance for hotshot operations — Class 3 through Class 5 trucks (typically one-tons and medium-duty) pulling gooseneck, deck-over, or flatbed trailers. From owner-operators in the Permian to multi-truck expedited fleets, we know which carriers actually want hotshot and which will mis-classify you as long-haul.
Overview
Hotshot is a class of its own. The truck is light (under 26,001 lb GVWR keeps you under the CDL threshold for many configurations, though combined-weight rules apply), the trailer is open, the loads are smaller than a tractor-trailer’s, and the routes tend toward expedited and oilfield work. Most brokers don’t know what to do with it.
The two most common mistakes: pricing you as long-haul (too expensive, wrong forms) or pricing you as a pickup truck on personal auto (deeply uninsured for the actual exposure). Hotshot needs a hotshot policy with a properly-rated commercial auto liability, scheduled equipment, and the right cargo limit for what you actually run.
“If you’re hauling for compensation in a one-ton, you’re a commercial motor carrier. The pickup truck personal auto policy is a placeholder.”
Coverage you’ll typically need
Hotshot policies look like flatbed policies sized down to the equipment. The core lines and endorsements are similar, with attention to gooseneck and deck-over trailer values.
Why hotshot can be tricky
Hotshot has its own decline reasons — most tied to vehicle classification, oilfield exposure, and driver experience.
Pickup vs. commercial classification
Carriers care about GVWR, combined weight, and whether you’re under FMCSA’s interstate commerce threshold. Misclassification at submission triggers re-quote or decline.
Oilfield work
Permian/Eagle Ford/Bakken oilfield hotshot has higher claim frequency and severity. Several carriers decline oilfield outright; others write it with surcharges.
New ventures under 12 months
Most hotshot markets want a year. A small panel writes new authority hotshot at rated-up pricing.
Driver MVR issues
Major violations move you out of standard hotshot markets. We know which E&S carriers still bind.
Heavy oversize / overdimensional
Frequent permit loads narrow the panel and may require flatbed-style endorsements.
Class 5 medium-duty without CDL
Some carriers require CDL on hotshot regardless of vehicle GVWR. We confirm at submission.
What drives your premium
Hotshot premiums depend more on vehicle class, route, and commodity than on radius. Driver experience matters disproportionately because operations are typically small.
Quote in 24–48 hours
We pull your DOT and MC data automatically. The rest is paperwork most hotshot operations have on hand.
Federal compliance
Hotshot trips federal jurisdiction at lower thresholds than people expect. The 10,001 lb combined weight rule is what matters — most hotshot rigs cross it.
FMCSA jurisdiction. Vehicles with combined weight (truck + trailer + load) over 10,001 lbs crossing state lines for compensation fall under FMCSA — requiring DOT/MC numbers, MCS-90, drug & alcohol program, hours of service, and DVIR.
Federal auto liability minimum. $750,000 CSL for non-hazardous freight. The MCS-90 endorsement is required.
CDL thresholds. A CDL is generally required when the vehicle GVWR or combined GCWR exceeds 26,001 lbs. Some carriers and contracts require CDL regardless of vehicle weight.
Common questions